ZANU PF Simbi Couple Granted Bail Pending Appeal in Land Forgery, Fraud Cases
n Picture: Out on bail - Charles Simbi (centre), Lawyer Esau Mandipa (blue suit), family and some ZANU PF members n nn n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n Gweru - Former Gweru ZANU PF Councillor, Charles Simbi, and his wife Zodwa, have been granted
anostrofy Picture: Out on bail - Charles Simbi (centre), Lawyer Esau Mandipa (blue suit), family and some ZANU PF members
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru - Former Gweru ZANU PF Councillor, Charles Simbi, and his wife Zodwa, have been granted bail by Justice Sunsley Zisengwe of the Masvingo High Court, pending the outcome of their appeal against a conviction for forgery and fraud by the Gweru Magistrate Court.
The couple, who spent nearly three weeks in custody following their sentencing, continue to maintain their innocence.
In a court session held on November 24, 2025, Justice Zisengwe approved the bail application.The judge, acknowledging that the Simbis are first-time offenders, noted that they may not pose a flight risk while their appeal process unfolds.
Each applicant was ordered to pay US$100 with the Clerk of Court at the Gweru Magistrates Court.
Bail conditions stipulate that the two must reside at their designated home in Southview, Gweru, and report regularly to the Gweru Central Police Station.
The Simbis were previously sentenced by Magistrate Beaulity Dube to 12 months in prison and fined US$400 each for utilizing a forged resettlement offer letter.
The conviction stemmed from their attempt to secure a 10-hectare plot in Kanuck Farm through fraudulent means.
Their appeal, lodged on the grounds that the trial court misdirected itself and imposed an excessive sentence, seeks to challenge both the conviction and the legitimacy of the case against them.
During the initial trial, the state argued that the documents presented by the Simbis were not authentic, effectively discrediting the couple's defense despite their consistent claims of innocence.
Acknowledging the uphill battle ahead, the couple's representatives noted that key authorizing officers, including District Lands officer Nyasha Manyakara, former Vungu Rural District Coumcil Chief Executive Officer, Edwin Shindi, Lands Ministry Cartographer Zivanayi Gayihayi and investigating officer, Sergeant Kizito Mahachi, all disowned the document during trial.
Reports emanating from the accused’s close relative and political party member that the Simbis had parted ways with their lawyer, Esau Mandipa, are false.
Mandipa facilitated their temporary freedom, a date for the appeal hearing is yet to be set.
